How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment
If You Have Medical Conditions:
If you have any medical conditions, take medications, or have concerns about how tattooing may affect your health, please consult your doctor before your appointment. We are not medical professionals and cannot offer medical advice.
1. Hydrate
Drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Well-hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and can improve how your tattoo heals.
2. Exfoliate
Gently exfoliate with a scrub or serum to remove dead skin cells. This helps the stencil adhere properly and prevents the needles from getting clogged.
3. Moisturize
Moisturize daily for at least a week before your appointment using a thick, nourishing lotion.
Skip moisturizer the day of your appointment, as it can prevent the stencil from sticking well.
Skip moisturizer the day of your appointment, as it can prevent the stencil from sticking well.
4. Avoid Alcohol
Drinking alcohol before your session—especially the night before—can dehydrate you and thin your blood. This makes tattooing harder, can affect the quality of the work, and may make it more uncomfortable to sit.
5. Get Good Sleep
A solid night of rest makes a huge difference in how well you’re able to sit through your appointment.
Healing Options
At your appointment, you can choose between two healing methods:
1. Dermshield Bandage (up to 7 days)
A breathable adhesive bandage designed to protect the tattoo and promote clean healing.
If you have adhesive sensitivities, you may prefer:
If you have adhesive sensitivities, you may prefer:
2. Standard Heal Out
A traditional bandage worn home, followed by daily cleaning and moisturizing as outlined on the aftercare page.
AT HOME
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS TO HAVE ON HAND:
Any unscented soaps or moisturizers are generally safe. Artist favorites include:
Unscented soaps – Dr. Bronner’s (unscented) or Dial
Aquaphor – extra protection and slower dry time; helpful for sensitive skin – great for week 1 if you do not use Dermshield
CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Cream – great for weeks 2–3+
Use clean bedsheets
If your tattoo is exposed, avoid sleeping with pets for 1–2 weeks.
No sun, no swimming, and no soaking for 2 weeks.
Be mindful of activities like dishwashing and gym workouts—both can introduce bacteria or excess moisture.
A fresh tattoo is an open wound. Keep it clean and avoid contact with surfaces, pets, and anything that may introduce dirt or bacteria.
Day Of Your Appointment
We want your experience to be comfortable. You’re welcome to chat, sit quietly, or use headphones—whatever helps.
Comfortable, accessible clothing
Drinks and snacks (refrigerator available)
A book, iPad, or entertainment
A pillow or blanket
Charged devices
Headphones
Arrival & Punctuality
You may arrive 5–10 minutes early.
There is a 15-minute grace period after your scheduled time.
Arriving later than that may result in needing to reschedule.
A no-call/no-show results in loss of your deposit and may affect future booking. Rescheduling may require full payment upfront in addition to the lost deposit.
Questions?
Please ask—we’re always happy to help you feel fully prepared and confident for your tattoo.